Two of Rep. Lee Chatfield's brothers, Paul and Aaron Chatfield, have been hired into the Michigan House of Representatives to work in member offices and caucus services. Paul Chatfield will transition to Caucus Services, while Aaron Chatfield works in Rep. Aaron Miller's office. Both hires were made without direct influence from Lee Chatfield, despite his high-ranking position in the House Republican caucus. The hiring process followed standard procedures, and both brothers are considered qualified for their roles. The article highlights the rarity of immediate family members of legislators becoming legislative staffers without prior experience.

Spain is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 and flu cases after the holiday season, leading to an overloaded healthcare system. Emergency rooms are saturated, with the situation expected to worsen in the coming weeks. Madrid's La Paz Hospital has reported patients waiting in hallways, and primary care clinics face a major bottleneck. The new health minister, Monica Garcia, has called for Spaniards to maintain preventive measures. Despite high initial COVID-19 vaccine uptake, Spain is now behind, with only 50% of the high-risk population vaccinated against the flu, below the WHO's goal.

Pedro Sanchez, Spain's Socialist Party leader and reelected premier, announced a new Cabinet for his progressive coalition government, maintaining many senior ministers while introducing new ones. The Cabinet, which includes 12 women among its 22 ministers, is the second-largest in Spain's modern history and emphasizes feminist and social policies. Notably, Podemos politicians lost their ministerial posts, and the new Cabinet faced criticism from the Popular Party and others for various reasons, including the reappointment of Fernando Grande-Marlaska as interior minister.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on Western states to recognize the state of Palestine, emphasizing the need to address the suffering in Gaza and achieve a permanent cease-fire. He proposed a peace conference for a two-state solution and stated Spain would recognize Palestine unilaterally if necessary. This stance has caused a diplomatic rift with Israel, although the Israeli ambassador to Spain recently returned, signaling a potential positive shift in relations.

Gongwer News Service has partnered with WDET Detroit Public Radio to co-host the 'MichMash' podcast, starting January 12, 2024. Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben from Gongwer will join Cheyna Roth as co-hosts, enhancing the podcast's coverage of Michigan's political landscape. The collaboration aims to provide in-depth analysis and engaging discussions on state politics. Gongwer has also established a new podcast studio in Lansing for in-person interviews. 'MichMash' is available on major podcast platforms and several public radio stations in Michigan.

A group named Citizens for Local Choice has launched an effort to reverse a recently passed Michigan law that transfers the siting authority for large-scale wind and solar energy projects to the Public Service Commission. The group aims to return this authority to local governments, allowing them to enforce local ordinances on energy facilities. The initiative requires 356,958 valid voter signatures by May 29 to appear on the November 2024 ballot. The law, passed along party lines, is supported by Rep. Abraham Aiyash and environmental groups like the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, who argue it provides more options for renewable energy and local input. The Michigan Townships Association supports the repeal, emphasizing the need for local control over decisions impacting communities.

The article discusses the new deal on migration and asylum agreed upon by the European Union. It outlines the key components of the agreement and its implications for member states and migrants seeking asylum within the EU.

Michigan's hate crimes law is set for significant updates, with legislative action expected in 2024. The proposed bills aim to expand protections to include sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, and ethnicity. Key figures like Rep. Noah Arbit and Sen. Stephanie Chang emphasize the urgency of addressing rising hate crimes, particularly in the context of increased antisemitism and Islamophobia. Attorney General Dana Nessel supports the changes, highlighting their potential to prevent severe bias-oriented crimes. Despite some opposition citing First Amendment concerns, the legislation has bipartisan support and backing from all county prosecutors in Michigan.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks expressed pride in the Democratic majority's legislative achievements in 2023, including repealing right to work, expanding LGBT protections, and enacting firearms restrictions. She anticipates further work in 2024 on prescription drug affordability, auto no-fault insurance, and economic development. Brinks highlighted the challenges of maintaining caucus unity and working in a polarized political climate. She defended the Democrats' budget priorities and investments in education, countering Republican criticisms. The article underscores the significant policy changes and the ongoing legislative agenda for the coming year.

Spanish President Pedro Sánchez highlighted the benefits for Europe in recognizing the State of Palestine, citing moral positioning and geopolitical interests. He criticized the situation in Gaza and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel. Sánchez expressed concerns about regional stability and the potential spread of conflict. During his Middle East tour, he announced Spain's willingness to unilaterally recognize Palestine if the EU does not. Currently, nine out of 27 EU countries recognize Palestine, with 139 of 193 UN member states also acknowledging it.

Kathy Wilbur, a prominent figure in Michigan's state government and higher education, passed away at 70 after a sudden recurrence of cancer. Her career spanned nearly 50 years, including roles in the legislative and executive branches and at Michigan State University and Central Michigan University. Tributes poured in from former Governor John Engler, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, and others, all highlighting her dedication, leadership, and positive impact. A memorial service is scheduled for December 16 at The Peoples Church in East Lansing.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez defended his criticism of Israeli attacks on Gaza, emphasizing that condemning violence is a matter of humanity, not ideology. His stance has led to a diplomatic row with Israel, which accused him of supporting terrorism. Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called these accusations unacceptable and reiterated Spain's commitment to protecting Palestinian civilians. The article also highlights differing opinions within Spain, with conservative opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo blaming Sanchez for the diplomatic conflict. Sanchez aims to convince the EU to recognize the State of Palestine, even considering unilateral action by Spain.

Acting President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, announced on November 15 that the new Spanish government will work nationally and within Europe to recognize the State of Palestine. During a debate, he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, adherence to humanitarian law, and access for international aid. Sánchez condemned Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel and rejected the indiscriminate massacre of Palestinians. The left-wing coalition government, including members from Podemos, urged Sánchez to take stronger action, with calls for sanctions against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a break in diplomatic relations.

Spanish acting President Pedro Sánchez has announced that the new Spanish government will work both nationally and within Europe to recognize the State of Palestine. This commitment was made during a debate prior to a vote expected to solidify his left-wing coalition government. Sánchez called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, adherence to humanitarian law, and access for international aid. He condemned a Hamas attack on Israel and the indiscriminate massacre of Palestinians. The left-wing party Podemos, part of the coalition, urged Sánchez to take stronger action on Palestine, with calls for sanctions against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a break in diplomatic relations.

The federal redistricting trial in Kalamazoo has moved to closing arguments after five days of testimony focused on whether race was a predominant factor in Michigan's redistricting commission's 2021 maps. Expert witness Lisa Handley testified on racial polarization in elections, highlighting that general elections were more racially polarized than primaries. The defense argued that partisan fairness was more influential than race in the map-drawing process. Expert Maxwell Palmer found no consistent pattern of polarized voting and disagreed with the plaintiff's expert on voter preferences. The trial's outcome will be determined after post-trial briefs are submitted by December 4.

Portuguese police arrested 28 individuals, including both Portuguese nationals and foreigners, for exploiting over 100 migrant farmworkers in the Baixo Alentejo region. The victims, lured from countries such as Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, were promised decent wages but received only a fraction of the amount, with the rest allegedly going towards housing, food, and transportation. The workers lived in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions. This operation follows a similar case in Spain where two men were arrested for forcing migrants to work in 'semi-slavery' conditions.

Over 375 NGOs in Spain protested outside the parliament, urging the government to halt arms trade with Israel, citing Spain's purchase of €861 million worth of weapons from Israel this year. Protesters highlighted recent purchases of rocket launchers and anti-tank missiles from Israeli defense companies Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, arguing that these sales finance military operations in Gaza. They called for sanctions against Israel, war crime charges against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and an embargo on arms trade. The protest was supported by five political parties, including the junior coalition party Sumar. Inside parliament, Prime Minister Sanchez spoke on the suffering in Gaza but did not address the calls to cease arms trade. Cultural figures and Podemos party members also demanded action, with Podemos leader Ione Belarra urging Sanchez to recognize the attacks on Gaza as genocide and to embargo all arms trade.

Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia announced that masks are now mandatory in healthcare settings nationwide due to a surge in flu and COVID-19 infections. This measure has been met with opposition from some regional governments, particularly those led by the conservative Popular Party. The government's initial proposal was rejected by regional governments, but Garcia stated that masks will be compulsory unless regions show a decline in infections for two weeks. Masks are recommended in pharmacies but not required. Medical associations have reported that emergency services and primary care are overwhelmed due to increased viral infections and resource shortages.

The article discusses the impact of a severe drought in Extremadura, Spain, which has led to the Dolmen of Guadalperal, a 7,000-year-old megalithic monument, becoming fully visible for the first time in decades due to the receding waters of the Valdecañas Reservoir. Local resident and president of a cultural association, Angel Castaño, and prehistory specialist Primitiva Bueno Ramirez provide insights into the significance of the monument and the challenges it faces. The dolmen, compared to Stonehenge, was once an enclosed space used for burial or rituals. The article also touches on the history of the region, including past human activities such as making flour and brewing beer. The fate of the dolmen is uncertain, with calls for its preservation and concerns about the potential damage from relocation efforts. The article emphasizes the need for careful study and preservation of this historic site.

The article discusses the ideological power of ISIS and the challenges the West faces in combating its message. It highlights the historical context of ideological warfare, drawing parallels with the denazification efforts after World War II. The piece examines various strategies used to counteract ISIS's influence, including programs like Extreme Dialogue in Canada and the 77th Brigade in England. It also touches on the importance of the messenger in religious debates, the individualized nature of radicalization, and the potential unintended consequences of ideological interventions. The article suggests that ISIS should be viewed as a fascist movement rather than a purely Islamic one, emphasizing the role of power over belief.